Altrincham shops sent into 'lockdown' amid reports of man brandishing a knifePolice were scrambled to Altrincham - but the 'weapon' turned out to be a stolen phone in the hands of an alleged thiefView Image Police were called to Altrincham town centre (Image: Manchester Evening News)Shops went 'into lockdown' in Altrincham following reports of a man with a knife this morning (January 29). Parents were later alerted that some businesses went into 'lockdown'. "As a precautionary measure, some shops in Altrincham and around the interchange went into lockdown. As this is a police incident, there will be an increased police presence in the Altrincham area throughout the day." Article continues below"We were initially called to reports of a man being in possession of a knife, however no such item was found in his possession."